The Galena Ghost Walk
The Galena Society hosts a historic walk and fundraiser every year when photos and interpreters are setup throughout the town to share Galena’s story. The walk is usually scheduled for the first week of June every year. The hike is a 1 to 5 mile self-guided trek at your own pace. Photos and interpreters around town will tell you stories of the gold and silver mining camp established in 1875. There are many original structures from the late 1800s to enjoy.
A $5 suggested donation for each walker is requested and all proceeds from the day go to the Galena Historical Society to continued restoration and revitalization of the historical monuments and buildings including the 1882 schoolhouse and the 1878 Vinegar Hill Cemetery.
DRIVING DIRECTIONS
Take Highway 385 South from Deadwood. Turn East at Wild Bills Campground onto Galena Road, go approximately 3 miles. Parking is below and East of the Schoolhouse, watch for signs. Once you have arrived please register at the Historic 1882 Schoolhouse. Pre-registrations are also welcome.
The beautiful town of Galena.
A map of the area and hike.
The basic hike runs 3.65 miles and you walk up to hillside buildings and the Galena cemetery on Vinegar Hill. The route includes the school, the assay office, and Sammy Moll’s diggings. A climb up an abandoned railroad bed brings you to the Methodist steeple (the steeple is all that remains of the church). Then it’s on to the Catholic church, saloon sites, livery stable, and Tootsie’s home.
Inside the school. Lots of information.
Inside the cabin.
Pretty hike.
Sammy Moll.
Hard to believe there use to be a railroad here.
Beautiful place to take a rest.
Lots of information around every turn.
Old saloon use to be here.
Pretty cool fossils.
Dogs welcome.
Nice easy stroll on the road.
Information on the famous Tootsie.
Keep going if you want to see the cemetery.
Come early to get a good spot to park. It gets busy.
If you want to hike more, there’s an optional 1.6-mile add-on to consider. It’s a rugged climb to the Hercules Walls. Hercules was to be the name of a mighty mine mill, and its stone foundation was built, but the project fell through and the mine was never built. All that remains are the walls.
To see more pictures of the town of Galena and for more information click here.